its sad we put our trust in some shops, always watch our for dealers.
but its like some just like to suck people for cash..whats the deal greed?
leads me to this concept.

good luck on getting the problems worked out, might just take alittle
time mixed with some troubleshooting.

Joe

Robert Capra <rcapra@silcon.com> wrote:
The local VW dealer says I have a broken hydraulic valve lifter on cylinder
number one. This was after I asked them to diagnose a problem with my '85
1.9L engine cutting out and surging while driving (2000-3000 rpm). I already
knew I had a lifter problem, they knock pretty loudly but quiet down after
10 or 15 minutes. The cutting out and surging remains though.

So they're talking about a major tear down to accomplish the valve lifter
replacement...suggesting it might be time for a new engine since the repair
expense would be so high. I pulled out the Bentley and pointed to page 15.23
- "Valve lifters can be removed and replaced without engine removal and
without major disassembly". After a talk with the mechanic, the service
manager admits reluctantly that - yes, you can do a replacement with the
collapsible pushrod tube, but they never hold a seal.  It was an
uncomfortable moment because I caught him in a lie and he knew it.

My question to the list is : Can the hydraulic valve lifter be broken if the
valve quiets down after 15 minutes of operation? Isn't this just normal for
a motor with 150K miles? Would a broken lifter be able to cause the very
noticeable cutting out and surging problem? I thought the problem was with
the AFM or the injectors and an experienced mechanic with access to the
proper analyzer could come up with an answer, but I feel I just wasted $180.

Robert Capra
"85 Vanagon GL

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